Can You Camp in Wrangell St Elias National Park?

The answer is a resounding yes!

Wrangell St Elias is the largest national park in the United States and offers plenty of opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Camping is allowed in many areas of the park, with designated campsites throughout. Visitors can choose to camp in primitive or developed areas, or even backcountry locations.

Primitive camping is available throughout most of Wrangell St Elias National Park, but visitors should be prepared for a more rustic camping experience than in developed campsites. Primitive camping requires visitors to bring all of their own equipment and supplies, including food and water.

There are no amenities such as restrooms or showers available at primitive sites, although some sites may have fire pits or picnic tables. Primitive camping also requires visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles; which means packing out all trash and leaving any area as it was found.

Developed campsites are typically located near visitor centers or other attractions within the park. These sites provide amenities such as grills, picnic tables, restrooms and often showers.

Some developed campsites also offer RV hook-ups for those who prefer more creature comforts while camping. All developed campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis; however reservations can be made during peak season.

Backcountry camping is also available within Wrangell St Elias National Park, although it requires more preparation than primitive or developed camping. Backcountry campers must obtain a free backcountry permit from a ranger station before setting out on their journey and must follow certain rules regarding food storage, campfires and human waste disposal. Backcountry campers should also be prepared for changing weather conditions as temperatures can drop drastically overnight.

Conclusion:

All in all, you can definitely camp in Wrangell St Elias National Park! Whether you’re looking for a primitive experience or something more luxurious like an RV hookup there’s an option for everyone. Just make sure you plan ahead and obtain any necessary permits before setting out on your journey!

Photo of author

Chris Powell